Fulham Defeats Brighton 3-1, Iwobi Scores Twice as Team Enters Top Half

Alex Iwobi, who is now Fulham’s leading scorer in the Premier League this season with five goals, scored one goal early in the match and another late as Fulham overcame wet and windy conditions to achieve a 3-1 victory over Brighton at Craven Cottage. Iwobi was positioned perfectly to capitalize on an error from away goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen for his fourth league goal of the campaign. His fifth goal, a fine strike, secured the three points in the 87th minute. Manager Marco Silva was quick to praise Iwobi, who had been utilized in a more central attacking midfield role rather than his usual wide position. “Alex has been outstanding from the first day of pre-season,” said Silva. “He is in a happy place and he is a fantastic footballer. Last season was his best season in the Premier League and one or two months ago I said he would be even better in this one.” He continued, “He is really versatile and I can use him in many different positions. He’s a top player with the way he can assist and score goals more than ever. What a game for him and he deserved all the credit.” Iwobi’s versatility could be important in a frantic next few weeks as Reiss Nelson, another of Fulham’s wide options, went off injured with an injury to his left hamstring, although he would have been unable to play against his parent club Arsenal on Sunday anyway.